19. [LAMB, Charles (1775-1834)].
The Book of Ranks and Dignities of British Society. Chiefly intended for the Instruction of Young Persons. Dedicated (by Permission) to Her Royal Highness the Princess Elizabeth. London: Tabart & Co [1805]. 12mo (6 1/16 x 3 3/4 inches; 154 x 95mm). 36pp. advertisements. 24 hand-colored stipple-engraved plates. Publisher's leather-backed boards, spine gilt. Condition : rubbed, head of spine chipped.
first edition of this attractive work with images of the various ranks and classes of british society : with the King at the top and a Scottish Highlander on the lowest rung. The Lamb attribution is based on a remark he made in an 1810 letter: "I have published a little book for children on titles of honour …" (the second edition of our work was issued in 1809). Gumuchian 3992; Moon Tabart 15(1); Osborne pp.718-719.
est. $800 – $1200
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